FORT WORTH, Texas - American Airlines, the world’s largest carrier, has launched a new system-wide fare sale for travel exclusively for members of the U.S. military on active duty and their dependent family members.

Members of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, National Guard and Reserves on active duty and their dependents are eligible. The special fares require only a three-day advance purchase and are available to all 250 airports worldwide served by American and American Eagle for travel through Feb. 12, 2004.

“We want to show appreciation to our men and women in uniform, and their families, for the many sacrifices made during Operation Iraqi Freedom,” said Dan Garton, American’s executive vice president-Marketing. “What better way to make it easier for families and friends to get together than special low fares?”

Congressman Mike Honda (D-Calif.), member of the Aviation Subcommittee in the U.S. House of Representatives, said: “I commend American Airlines for giving our men and women of the armed services and their families relief. I have been working hard on this issue in Congress, and am delighted that American Airlines has answered the call. Now it is time for the other airlines to step up to the plate.”

Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher (D-Calif.), member of the Aviation Subcommittee in the U.S. House of Representatives, added: “Members of our armed forces and their families continue to make great sacrifices defending our democracy. I commend American Airlines for acknowledging their sacrifices by offering these military discounts and reduced restrictions, which follows the spirit of legislation Congressman Honda and I have introduced in Congress.”

Because return from deployment for military personnel could extend over a lengthy time period, the fare sale allows ticketing through Dec. 31, 2003, and travel through Feb. 12, 2004. What’s more, customers can earn AAdvantage?’ miles with these fares.

Domestic sale fares require a three-day advance purchase, a Saturday night minimum stay and 30-day maximum stay. The fares are non-refundable, but no change fees will apply for changes made prior to departure. Fares are applicable all days of the week and have no embargo dates.

International fares also require a three-day advance purchase, a Saturday night minimum stay and 30-day maximum stay, with no stopovers permitted. The fares are non-refundable, but no change fees will apply for changes made prior to departure. Fares are applicable all days of the week. Select international markets have seasonal fare variations, with high-season fares applicable from June 1 through Sept. 15, 2003. Embargo dates for international fares apply from Dec. 13, 2003 through Jan. 11, 2004.

Because of the unique nature of these fares, verification of military status for members of the armed forces and their dependent family members must be done in person at the time of purchase.

Fares are available to activated Reservists, including those who are traveling within seven days of discharge from active service. Reservations may be made by telephone, but the appropriate military identification must be presented in person at the time of purchase at an American Airlines airport ticket counter, American Airlines Travel Center or a travel agency. These special military fares are not available via the Internet.

For schedule and fare information, eligible customers should consult their travel agent or call American Airlines toll-free at 1-800-433-7300.

* Unless otherwise indicated, all amounts shown are in USD. Fares are based on round-trip purchase. Fares do not include: (i) up to $18 per round-trip in local airport charges; (ii) federal excise tax of up to $3 per U.S. domestic flight segment (one takeoff and landing); (iii) September 11th Security Fee of $2.50 per U.S. enplanement, up to $5 per one way or $10 per round trip; (iv) Travel Facilities Tax of up to $13.40 per round-trip for domestic flights beginning or ending in Alaska or Hawaii; (v) for Canada destinations, applicable Federal Inspection Fee of $6 per round-trip and Air Traveler Security Charge of up to $24 CAD per enplanement originating at a Canadian airport; and (vi) for international itineraries, government-imposed charges of up to $125 per round-trip, depending on routing and destination.

** Fare quoted is for “low season” only, which applies May 19-31, 2003, and Sept. 16, 2003- Feb. 12, 2004. Other travel dates are available at slightly higher levels.
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